INFORMATION ABOUT INFORMATION ABOUT CBCCBC

Complete Blood Count Complete Blood Count OverviewOverview

The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests by doctors. most commonly ordered blood tests by doctors. To understand this test, it is important to know To understand this test, it is important to know that the blood generally consists of two major that the blood generally consists of two major parts; parts; plasmaplasma and cellular elements. The plasma and cellular elements. The plasma is the part of the blood that is liquid which allows is the part of the blood that is liquid which allows the blood to flow easily. The other part of the the blood to flow easily. The other part of the blood consists of blood cells or cellular elements. blood consists of blood cells or cellular elements.

Complete Blood Count Complete Blood Count OverviewOverview The major cells in the blood are white blood The major cells in the blood are white blood

cells (WBC),cells (WBC), red blood cellsred blood cells (RBC), and (RBC), and platelets. Each of these types of cells platelets. Each of these types of cells carries out specific and important functions.carries out specific and important functions.

The complete blood count test measures The complete blood count test measures the quantity of all the different types of cells the quantity of all the different types of cells in the blood. It also provides some valuable in the blood. It also provides some valuable information on other parameters related to information on other parameters related to each type of blood cell.each type of blood cell.

Complete Blood Count Complete Blood Count ProcedureProcedure

The complete blood count may be done in many different health care settings The complete blood count may be done in many different health care settings including doctors' offices, clinics, urgent care facilities, emergency rooms, including doctors' offices, clinics, urgent care facilities, emergency rooms, hospitals, and outpatient medical laboratories. It is typically done upon an hospitals, and outpatient medical laboratories. It is typically done upon an order by a physician for a variety of reasons.order by a physician for a variety of reasons.

The complete blood count test is performed by drawing a few milliliters (one to The complete blood count test is performed by drawing a few milliliters (one to two teaspoons) of blood from a two teaspoons) of blood from a veinvein. Most commonly, the sample is obtained . Most commonly, the sample is obtained from a vein that is visible from the skin, such as a vein on the back of the hand from a vein that is visible from the skin, such as a vein on the back of the hand or the inner angle of the elbow (antecubital fossa). or the inner angle of the elbow (antecubital fossa).

A tourniquet is usually applied to the area proximal to the vein (closer to the A tourniquet is usually applied to the area proximal to the vein (closer to the center of the body than the vein itself). This technique will make the vein more center of the body than the vein itself). This technique will make the vein more visible and plump by limiting the blood from the vein going back toward the visible and plump by limiting the blood from the vein going back toward the heart. The tourniquet is only applied for a brief period of time (a few minutes at heart. The tourniquet is only applied for a brief period of time (a few minutes at the most) and it is removed as soon as blood is drawn. the most) and it is removed as soon as blood is drawn.

The skin overlying the vein is cleaned using an alcohol pad, and then a needle The skin overlying the vein is cleaned using an alcohol pad, and then a needle is inserted through the area of cleansed skin into the vein below where the is inserted through the area of cleansed skin into the vein below where the tourniquet is applied. The blood is then pulled from the vein via the needle by tourniquet is applied. The blood is then pulled from the vein via the needle by gently pulling the plunger on the syringe or by a connection of the needle to a gently pulling the plunger on the syringe or by a connection of the needle to a special vacuum vial that collects the blood. special vacuum vial that collects the blood.

The complete blood count The complete blood count generally includes the following generally includes the following componentscomponents The complete blood count generally includes the following The complete blood count generally includes the following

components:components: White blood cell count White blood cell count (WBC or Leukocyte count)(WBC or Leukocyte count) WBC differential countWBC differential count Red blood cell count (RBC or erythrocyte count)Red blood cell count (RBC or erythrocyte count) HematocritHematocrit (Hct) (Hct) Hemoglobin (Hbg)Hemoglobin (Hbg) Mean corpuscular volume (Mean corpuscular volume (MCVMCV)) Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHMCH)) Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHCMCHC)) Red cell distribution width (RDW)Red cell distribution width (RDW) Platelet countPlatelet count Mean platelet volume (MPV)Mean platelet volume (MPV)

Values for Components of Values for Components of Complete Blood CountComplete Blood Count The complete blood count values are usually reported based on the The complete blood count values are usually reported based on the

number of cells in a specific volume of blood. The normal values may number of cells in a specific volume of blood. The normal values may differ slightly based on the reference range and the machine used in differ slightly based on the reference range and the machine used in the laboratory and, therefore, the results may be slightly different the laboratory and, therefore, the results may be slightly different from one laboratory to the next. The normal reference range is from one laboratory to the next. The normal reference range is typically provided and printed with the results of complete blood typically provided and printed with the results of complete blood count for accurate interpretation.count for accurate interpretation.

The following lists some of the typical values of the components of The following lists some of the typical values of the components of the complete blood count:the complete blood count:

WBCWBC (white blood cell)(white blood cell) count signifies the number of white blood count signifies the number of white blood cells in the blood and usually ranges between 4,300 and 10,800 cells cells in the blood and usually ranges between 4,300 and 10,800 cells per cubic millimeter (cmm). The cells in the WBC differential are per cubic millimeter (cmm). The cells in the WBC differential are typically listed separately.typically listed separately.

RBCRBC ( (red blood cellred blood cell) count measures the number of red blood cells ) count measures the number of red blood cells in a volume of blood and usually ranges between 4.2 to 5.9 million in a volume of blood and usually ranges between 4.2 to 5.9 million cells per cmm.cells per cmm.

Hemoglobin (Hbg)Hemoglobin (Hbg) measures the amount of hemoglobin molecule in measures the amount of hemoglobin molecule in a volume of blood and typically measures 13 to 18 grams per deciliter a volume of blood and typically measures 13 to 18 grams per deciliter (one-hundredth of a liter) for men and 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for (one-hundredth of a liter) for men and 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for women.women.

Hematocrit (Hct)Hematocrit (Hct) signifies the percentage of the whole blood signifies the percentage of the whole blood occupied by red blood cells and usually ranges between 45%-52% for occupied by red blood cells and usually ranges between 45%-52% for men and 37%-48% for women.men and 37%-48% for women.

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is the measurement of the is the measurement of the average size or volume of a typical red blood cell in a blood sample average size or volume of a typical red blood cell in a blood sample and usually ranges between 80 to 100 femtoliters (a fraction of one-and usually ranges between 80 to 100 femtoliters (a fraction of one-millionth of a liter). millionth of a liter).

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) measures the amount of measures the amount of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell and usually ranges between hemoglobin in an average red blood cell and usually ranges between 27 to 32 picograms (a small fraction of a gram).27 to 32 picograms (a small fraction of a gram).

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measures measures the average hemoglobin concentration in a volume of blood, and it the average hemoglobin concentration in a volume of blood, and it usually ranges between 32%-36%.usually ranges between 32%-36%.

Red cell distribution width (RDW)Red cell distribution width (RDW) measures the variability in the measures the variability in the red blood cells' size and shape and usually ranges between 11 to 15.red blood cells' size and shape and usually ranges between 11 to 15.

Platelet countPlatelet count measures the number of platelets in a volume of blood measures the number of platelets in a volume of blood and usually ranges between 150,000 to 400,000 per cmm.and usually ranges between 150,000 to 400,000 per cmm.

Mean platelet volume (MPV)Mean platelet volume (MPV) measures the average size of platelets measures the average size of platelets in a volume of blood. The normal range is between 6 to 12 femtoliters in a volume of blood. The normal range is between 6 to 12 femtoliters (a very small fraction of a liter).(a very small fraction of a liter).

Function of the Cells in a Complete Blood Function of the Cells in a Complete Blood CountCount

The cells in a complete blood count serve very important functions in the body.The cells in a complete blood count serve very important functions in the body. The white blood cells are an important component of the The white blood cells are an important component of the immune systemimmune system which fights against which fights against

infections and inflammation in the body. They are made in the infections and inflammation in the body. They are made in the bone marrowbone marrow and undergo a and undergo a complex series of steps to gain functional maturity at which time they are released into the blood complex series of steps to gain functional maturity at which time they are released into the blood stream to perform their function. If the WBC count is elevated, white blood cells typically stream to perform their function. If the WBC count is elevated, white blood cells typically indicate some kind of infection or inflammation in the body. Each of the cells in the WBC indicate some kind of infection or inflammation in the body. Each of the cells in the WBC differential also has specific functions that are important to note when analyzing the results of a differential also has specific functions that are important to note when analyzing the results of a complete blood count. For example, eosinophils may be involved in complete blood count. For example, eosinophils may be involved in allergic reactionsallergic reactions. . Neutrophils are usually more suggestive of a bacterial infection whereas lymphocytes typically Neutrophils are usually more suggestive of a bacterial infection whereas lymphocytes typically suggest a viral infection.suggest a viral infection.

Red blood cells are a vital part of the oxygen transportation throughout the body. The Red blood cells are a vital part of the oxygen transportation throughout the body. The hemoglobin molecule is a complex protein structure that exists within the red blood cells and is hemoglobin molecule is a complex protein structure that exists within the red blood cells and is the physical carrier of oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body for consumption. Decreases the physical carrier of oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body for consumption. Decreases in the red blood cell count or the hemoglobin level may interfere with the oxygen carrying in the red blood cell count or the hemoglobin level may interfere with the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells and can lead to capacity of the red blood cells and can lead to anemiaanemia..

Platelets are an important part of the blood clotting system. They are not complete cells, but Platelets are an important part of the blood clotting system. They are not complete cells, but fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes. Platelets become activated when there is any fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes. Platelets become activated when there is any evidence of bleeding or injury somewhere in the body. They clump together at the site of evidence of bleeding or injury somewhere in the body. They clump together at the site of bleeding (called platelet aggregation) in an attempt to plug up the bleeding site. This is done in bleeding (called platelet aggregation) in an attempt to plug up the bleeding site. This is done in concert with other components of the clotting system which includes some specific proteins such concert with other components of the clotting system which includes some specific proteins such as as thrombinthrombin. Function of the Cells in a Complete Blood Count. Function of the Cells in a Complete Blood Count

The cells in a complete blood count serve very important functions in the body.The cells in a complete blood count serve very important functions in the body. The white blood cells are an important component of the The white blood cells are an important component of the immune systemimmune system

which fights against infections and inflammation in the body. They are made in which fights against infections and inflammation in the body. They are made in the the bone marrowbone marrow and undergo a complex series of steps to gain functional and undergo a complex series of steps to gain functional maturity at which time they are released into the blood stream to perform their maturity at which time they are released into the blood stream to perform their function. If the WBC count is elevated, white blood cells typically indicate function. If the WBC count is elevated, white blood cells typically indicate some kind of infection or inflammation in the body. Each of the cells in the some kind of infection or inflammation in the body. Each of the cells in the WBC differential also has specific functions that are important to note when WBC differential also has specific functions that are important to note when analyzing the results of a complete blood count. For example, eosinophils may analyzing the results of a complete blood count. For example, eosinophils may be involved in be involved in allergic reactionsallergic reactions. Neutrophils are usually more suggestive of a . Neutrophils are usually more suggestive of a bacterial infection whereas lymphocytes typically suggest a viral infection.bacterial infection whereas lymphocytes typically suggest a viral infection.

Red blood cells are a vital part of the oxygen transportation throughout the Red blood cells are a vital part of the oxygen transportation throughout the body. The hemoglobin molecule is a complex protein structure that exists body. The hemoglobin molecule is a complex protein structure that exists within the red blood cells and is the physical carrier of oxygen from the lungs within the red blood cells and is the physical carrier of oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body for consumption. Decreases in the red blood cell count to all parts of the body for consumption. Decreases in the red blood cell count or the hemoglobin level may interfere with the oxygen carrying capacity of the or the hemoglobin level may interfere with the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells and can lead to red blood cells and can lead to anemiaanemia..

Platelets are an important part of the blood clotting system. They are not Platelets are an important part of the blood clotting system. They are not complete cells, but fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes. Platelets complete cells, but fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes. Platelets become activated when there is any evidence of bleeding or injury somewhere become activated when there is any evidence of bleeding or injury somewhere in the body. They clump together at the site of bleeding (called platelet in the body. They clump together at the site of bleeding (called platelet aggregation) in an attempt to plug up the bleeding site. This is done in concert aggregation) in an attempt to plug up the bleeding site. This is done in concert with other components of the clotting system which includes some specific with other components of the clotting system which includes some specific proteins such as proteins such as thrombinthrombin

Complete Blood Count UsesComplete Blood Count Uses

Uses of the complete blood count are extensive. In general, the complete blood count Uses of the complete blood count are extensive. In general, the complete blood count can be done as part of routine health exam and general screening by a doctor. It may be can be done as part of routine health exam and general screening by a doctor. It may be ordered if an infection or anemia is suspected. It may also be ordered to evaluate if ordered if an infection or anemia is suspected. It may also be ordered to evaluate if abnormal bleeding is present.abnormal bleeding is present.

As mentioned earlier, an elevation of the white blood cell count or an abnormality of the As mentioned earlier, an elevation of the white blood cell count or an abnormality of the white blood cell differential may be suggestive of an infection or inflammation. A high or white blood cell differential may be suggestive of an infection or inflammation. A high or a low white blood cell count could also be a sign of underlying a low white blood cell count could also be a sign of underlying cancercancer such as such as leukemialeukemia or or lymphomalymphoma. .

A low red blood cell or hemoglobin count typically indicates anemia (low blood). Anemia, A low red blood cell or hemoglobin count typically indicates anemia (low blood). Anemia, typically seen as low hemoglobin or low hematocrit on the complete blood count, is a typically seen as low hemoglobin or low hematocrit on the complete blood count, is a sign of an underlying disease and it is not a disease itself. Anemia can have many sign of an underlying disease and it is not a disease itself. Anemia can have many causes including blood loss, bone marrow problems, nutritional deficiencies, genetic causes including blood loss, bone marrow problems, nutritional deficiencies, genetic hemoglobin structural or functional problems (sickle cell or thalassemia), or hemoglobin structural or functional problems (sickle cell or thalassemia), or kidney failurekidney failure. These are only the most common causes of anemia, and the list of all . These are only the most common causes of anemia, and the list of all causes of anemia is very extensive. Anemia found in a complete blood count may be causes of anemia is very extensive. Anemia found in a complete blood count may be suggestive of ongoing slow blood loss and, therefore, can be used to detect cancers, suggestive of ongoing slow blood loss and, therefore, can be used to detect cancers, such as such as colon cancercolon cancer. If anemia is detected, usually the MCV and RDW give some . If anemia is detected, usually the MCV and RDW give some additional clues as to the possible causes of anemia. additional clues as to the possible causes of anemia.

A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may also be detected in the complete blood A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may also be detected in the complete blood count. This may be due to bone marrow problems, some medications or excessive count. This may be due to bone marrow problems, some medications or excessive alcohol use, immunologic or genetic problems, advanced liver disease, or cancers such alcohol use, immunologic or genetic problems, advanced liver disease, or cancers such as leukemia. The MPV may indicate how rapidly platelets are made in the bone marrow as leukemia. The MPV may indicate how rapidly platelets are made in the bone marrow and released into the blood stream. A high platelet count may also be suggestive of an and released into the blood stream. A high platelet count may also be suggestive of an inflammation or blood malignancy, such as leukemia and lymphoma. inflammation or blood malignancy, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Synonyms and KeywordsSynonyms and Keywords

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White Blood CellsWhite Blood Cells

Red Blood Cells.Red Blood Cells.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)Complete Blood Count (CBC)